Two teachers recently turned the tables on a DWI suspect in Farmington.

Police Officer Michael Yaw had responded to a call from someone near Apache Elementary School who reported someone driving erratically. Yaw said Colin Paul, 22, was disobedient to police commands and got out of his vehicle.

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The officer said he immediately turned off the car's engine and removed the keys, due to concern Paul would try to drive away and potentially hit students who were leaving school.

"I ordered him to return to his vehicle, and he attacked me," Yaw said. "The fight was on."

Police said Paul yanked Yaw down by his utility belt and gouged the officer's eyes, knocking out his contacts. That's when two teachers saw what was happening and raced over to help.

Ron McNeal and Johnny Hanika help load kids onto buses and into cars every day after school. McNeal teaches fifth grade, and is a retired Farmington police officer.

"I thought, well, I better go help and do something, so I immediately ran over," McNeal said. "I did my best to try to subdue the suspect's left arm, and get it behind him so he wouldn't have control."

Hanika, a third grade teacher, was right there with him. Hanika has law enforcement experience from his time in the military -- he also spent 12 years as a bouncer before joining the Coast Guard.

"It all just came back just like riding a bike," Hanika said. "I'm not going to let a fellow teacher or even a fellow badge get in a struggle that might have a bad outcome."

The two teachers helped the officer get Paul on the ground while Yaw got the suspect in handcuffs. Other officers arrived on scene to assist with the arrest.

Investigators said Paul kicked some of the police and damaged a patrol car as they took him into custody. He faces several charges including DWI and aggravated battery on a peace officer.

Yaw said he is very appreciative for the aid from the two teachers, and hopes others will help if they see anyone in need, even an officer.

"It was crucial. It was a struggle, we were fighting, and I don't know what the outcome would have came to if it wasn't for them," Yaw said of McNeal and Hanika.

Police said the call that led to this DWI stop was very helpful, and that tips from the public continue to be critical in cracking down on drunk drivers. Farmington police encourage people to call them directly using 911. There is also a statewide Drunk Busters tip line through the Department of Public Safety, which can be contacted using pound DWI (#384) on cellphones.